KOTA KINABALU: Police have arrested three young men for alleged involvement in a robbery and molestation case at the Likas Bay recreational park here.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Chandra said the arrests were made based on police reports lodged by two local women, aged 26, over the Tuesday incident.

He said the victims were approached by the men at a car park at 6am, but the women ignored them.

"When the women began their jog (in the park), two of the three men (grabbed and) held both of them from behind," Chandra said in a statement.

The women managed to escape following a struggle, but the suspects were able to steal one of their mobile phones.

Police arrested the men, aged 16 to 20, on Tuesday in the Likas area.

They tested negative for illicit drugs.

The case is being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code for gang robbery and armed robbery, and Section 354 of Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force on a person with intent to outrage modesty.

Police said they are collaborating with City Hall to patrol the area around-the-clock and inspect visitors.